Emergency grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres is open in most North Dakota counties. CRP participants in counties that are in a D3 or D4 drought status, or a D2 drought status of 8 weeks or greater, may request to perform emergency grazing during the primary nesting season.
“With the severe drought in North Dakota, grazing options are desperately needed,” Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said. “Having emergency grazing available for our livestock producers provides some relief.”
CRP participants must submit a written request to conduct emergency grazing, are limited to 50% carrying capacity on acreage grazed and are not to exceed 90 consecutive days. All conservation practices are eligible.
Producers should check with their county Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to ensure their acres are eligible and contract provisions are followed.